PA Team of the Year

May be awarded to a ​PA and another individual within a ​healthcare team that works collaboratively with​ the​ PAs and promotes PA practice. ​At least one (1) PA team member ​recipient​ must be a CAPA member.

Leadership

Academic achievement

Goals as a future PA

Letter of Recommendation

Financial Need (will only be considered on an as needed basis)

Congratulations to the CAPA 2018 Award Winners!

PA OF THE YEAR

Karen Ream, MMS, PA-C

Karen Ream embodies the ideal role of the PA through her leadership with the inpatient cardiology service at the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) in Aurora. She is a graduate of Midwestern University Glendale PA program, and has been instrumental in designing and implementing UCH’s first inpatient cardiology non-teaching service, including recruitment of 5 APPs, and creation of orientation and training structure for the team. The team has shown improvement in quality metrics, including decreased length of stay and ICU lengths of stay for cardiac patients. She plays an integral role in caring for cardiac patients, and serves as a model of collaborative care with the Cardiology team at UCH.

PA TEAM OF THE YEAR

Colorado State University Health Network

The Colorado State University Health Network consists of two physicians, six NPs and seven PAs, and provides medical care collaboratively to the CSU Community through individual clinic care, public health outreach, and health education. The Health Network team is a true example of the collegial relationship that exemplifies the role of the PA by cultivating and sustaining an environment that encourages evidence-based and whole-patient care, and maximizes each provider’s level of expertise to positively affect patient outcomes. The team participates in efforts to increase quality of care, including implementing utilization projects and presenting at national meetings. This collegiate academic environment also provides the opportunity to educate students about the roles of PAs and provide a model example for pre-health professional students who are interested in the PA profession.

PA Student Scholarship Recipient

Ashley Grise, PA-S2

Ashley Grise is a second year PA student at University of Colorado Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program, where she serves as a class representative and teaching assistant. Beyond being a top student in her class, Ashley has demonstrated her commitment to the community as a volunteer in the student-run DAWN clinic as well as fundraising and volunteering for the non-profit organization Warren Village. She has furthermore been active as a PA advocate within her PA program, as well as through representation at the AAPA Advocacy and Legislative Summit, which involves dialogue with national PA leaders and congressional legislators. She has been described by faculty as “The ideal of a PA leader.” Upon graduation, Ashley plans to practice in Denver, where she intends to continue community and PA program involvement.